NHL Canadian Corner – September 10, 2012.

Dustin Byfuglien’s off-season conditioning concerns Jets fans, two Flames who must improve this season, and the Senators were top Canadian team in ESPN magazine poll.

Byfuglien’s off-season weight once again causing concern for Jets fans.

PUCK DADDY: Greg Wyshynski on how a wedding party photo from July featuring a heavy-looking Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has some Jets fans concerned over what appears to be his lack of off-season conditioning. Wyshynski also links to an August photo of Byfuglien fishing for sturgeon which appears to show him considerably slimmer.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Wyshynski pointed out, this isn’t the first time Byfuglien’s off-season conditioning has raised eyebrows, as his court appearance last summer also had tongues wagging about his weight, though he would report to training camp lighter and in shape. While Byfuglien appears to be someone who gains weight quickly, to my knowledge there’s never been an issue with his physical conditioning when he’s reported to training camp, nor has it been an issue throughout a season.

SPORTSNET.CA: Pat Steinberg recently singled out Blake Comeau and Mikael Backlund as two Flames who must rebound from poor performances last season.

OTTAWA CITIZEN: ESPN: The Magazine ranked the Ottawa Senators the top Canadian franchise in its ultimate team rankings.

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